Girls in STEM Club Explores the World of Mini Beasts

This week the Girls in STEM Club excitedly trialled a new hands-on science program designed for students up to Grade 4, focusing on the fascinating world of mini beasts, small invertebrates such as butterflies, spiders, flies, grasshoppers, and spiny leaf insects.  The aim was to explore how these creatures adapt to their environments, particularly through camouflage as a means of protection from predators.

A highlight of the session was learning about and handling spiny leaf insects, which thrive in warm, humid climates like those in Queensland and New South Wales.  Students observed differences between males and females: females are larger, lay eggs, have tinny wings but do not fly; males are thinner, darker, have wings, and can fly.  The group discussed their symbiotic relationship with ants, which unknowingly help incubate the insects' eggs in their nests.

Girls also engaged in several hands-on experiments:

·       Using balloons and static electricity to mimic how pollen is collected from flowers.

·       Testing camouflage by picking coloured sticks from a green background, green sticks were harder to spot.

·       Investigating a forest floor simulation, using magnifying glasses, sieves, and tweezers to separate insect eggs for hatching in a warm, humid setting.

·       Observing a resin insect collection with torches to identify which ones glowed in the dark.

·       Programming bee pods to follow a set path, combining basic coding with biological learning.

At the end of the session, students shared feedback on how to make the activities more interactive and engaging for younger learners. It was a creative, hands-on way to learn about ecosystems and insect life!

A quick reminder that the registration for Term 4 is now open! Girls in Years 5 and 6 can join this free, hands-on STEM program. Scan the QR code to sign up.